CANSA Expands Patient Support Access at Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital Through Service Day Change
In a continued effort to reach and support more cancer patients and their families, the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) has announced that its activities at Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital will move from Wednesdays to Thursdays.
The decision follows ongoing discussions and collaboration between CANSA, hospital management and the healthcare team, and reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that cancer patients have greater access to the support services they need.
Thursdays were identified as the most suitable day, as newly diagnosed patients are reviewed by specialists, and many surgical patients attend the hospital on these days. By aligning its services with the hospital’s busiest oncology-related patient days, CANSA aims to increase access to psychosocial support, counselling, education, advocacy and referrals for a greater number of patients and their loved ones.
According to Ntebaleng Morudu, Social Worker at CANSA Rustenburg, the organisation’s presence at the hospital was established following the identification of a significant need for psychosocial support services within local communities and healthcare facilities.
“During our initial needs assessments within the communities and healthcare facilities we serve, we identified a significant gap in psychosocial support services for cancer patients and their families. This led to the strengthening of collaborations with various healthcare facilities in our area, including Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital,” says Morudu.
Over time, the impact of these services has become increasingly evident. “One of the most fulfilling experiences has been witnessing how patients, families and caregivers gradually became more open to counselling and emotional support. Many patients initially struggled with fear, uncertainty and misconceptions surrounding cancer, but through continuous psychosocial support, education and counselling, we have seen positive changes in how they understand the disease and approach their treatment,” she explains.
Advocacy and resource referral have become an integral part of CANSA’s work at the hospital. By connecting patients and families with available services and support systems, the organisation helps reduce feelings of isolation and empowers individuals to navigate their cancer experiences with greater confidence.
A recent addition to CANSA’s services at the hospital has been the establishment of a weekly Information and Support Desk. Although currently operating once a week, the desk has already become an important hub for engagement, education and support. It provides an opportunity for CANSA staff and volunteers to connect not only with cancer patients and survivors, but also with families and individuals accessing other hospital services.
Patients, caregivers and loved ones are referred to a range of free CANSA support services based on their individual needs. These include support groups, the Tele and Virtual Counselling Service, available in most South African languages, psychosocial support services, advocacy assistance, and access to a clinical nurse for guidance on managing pain and treatment-related side effects.
Additional support includes access to Knitted Knockers breast prostheses at no cost, referrals for wigs and headwear, stoma-related services and medical equipment hire. Educational leaflets highlighting the symptoms of the five most common cancers affecting men and women in South Africa are also available to help raise awareness and encourage early detection.
CANSA’s support groups have further created safe and meaningful spaces where patients can connect with others facing similar challenges, share experiences, offer encouragement and find reassurance that they are not alone.
“As a Social Worker who has personally lost a loved one to cancer, my experience at CANSA has deepened my understanding of the disease and reinforced the importance of compassionate support,” adds Morudu.
The move to Thursdays represents another step forward in CANSA’s mission to ensure that more people affected by cancer have access to information, support and care when they need it most.
For more information about CANSA’s services in Rustenburg, contact the CANSA Rustenburg Care Centre on 014 533 0694
(For more information, please contact Melissa Zaayman, Marketing and Social Media Coordinator at CANSA at email mzaayman@cansa.org.za. Call 084 989 6890).
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